2016-04-06
Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay and Monnee Vally Cyclists are sending a message to state and local governments to invest in safer cycling in the upcoming budget.
On Thursday 7th April they will be out on the bike paths, drumming up support and pressure on the Premier to come good on his bike funding election commitment, including in roads in the West.
“There are bike lane black holes across Melbourne, but the residents of inner west and north west face a surprising lack of safe bicycle routes, given the proximity to the city.” said Colleen Hartland, Greens MP for the Western Suburbs.
“The Andrews Labor Government was elected on a commitment to invest $100 million in new, dedicated bike and walking paths. Almost 18 months later and not one dollar has been spent – cyclists have no new paths and are no safer.”
“The Bike West community campaign has had a number of significant wins, but we have a long way to go. The thousands of trucks on our streets make safe cycling options even more important.”
“Council can also do much better and should give bike infrastructure the attention and funding it deserves.”
“More people cycling will mean fewer cars on local roads, better air quality, and healthier happier community members,” said Ms Hartland.
Colleen Hartland is facilitating the event through her Bike West community campaign.
Key bike missing links for the Maribyrnong Council area:
• Dynon Road to Hopkins Street in Footscray Village (connecting the Dynon Road bike path to Hopkins Street bike lanes)
• Complete the Federation Trail (the final off-road link to the Hyde Street path)
• Napier Street, Footscray (connecting Footscray Road bike path to the Footscray shopping precinct)
• Footscray to Highpoint link
Key Missing links for the Hobsons Bay Council area:
• Federation Trail to Bay Trail (connecting the Federation Trail to the Bay Trail)
• Safe road crossing to the Punt jetty
• Hall Street railway line route
• Kororoit Creek Trail completion
• Millers Road, Altona (under the Westgate Freeway intersection to the Federation Trail).
Bike budget asks for the Moonee Valley Council area:
• Craigieburn Rail Corridor bicycle lanes
• Mount Alexander Road separated lanes
• Moonee Ponds Creek path lighting and directional signage
• Improvements to East-west links
For more information on the above priority bike paths see the Bike West report: Getting the West on Track: closing major bike infrastructure gaps in Melbourne’s inner west available at bikewest.org.